Virtual diversity and inclusion conference attracts 300 delegates
Research by the BVA found that just three per cent of vets are non-white, compared to 14 per cent of the UK population.
A first-of-its-kind conference exploring diversity and inclusion in the veterinary workforce attracted some 300 delegates from across the veterinary profession.
The Courageous Conversation Conference, which took place over the weekend (14 and 15 August), was organised by the University of Surrey's School of Veterinary medicine and the British Veterinary Ethnicity & Diversity Society (BVEDS).
Among the inspirational speakers included Ruth Cawston from the British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS) and Dan Makin from British Veterinary LGBT+. Mark Jones from Aviva and Stephanie-Rae Flicker from Animal Aspirations delivered the keynote speeches, stressing the need to bring different voices to the table to create change within the profession.
Issa Robson from BVEDS spoke about problems within the sector and what an inclusive workforce looks like. Commenting on the event. Ms Robson said:
“I feel humbled by the efforts of all speakers, facilitators and organisers made over these two days, to make this conference truly remarkable and inspiring. I’d like to thank the participants who contributed to some truly courageous conversations.
“We have had incredible support from People Culture and Inclusion team at the University of Surrey, BVA, RCVS, VSGD, VMG, Advance HE, Vetlife and SPVS to name a few. We will be working to bring the session recordings to the wider profession.”
According to research by the BVA, just three per cent of vets are non-white compared to a UK population that is 14 per cent non-white. Research also suggests that around a quarter of those entering the profession were privately educated.
Furthermore, members of the BVLGBT+, BVCIS and BVEDS communities have also reported the difficulty they experienced in sharing experiences of discrimination in community workshops.
Professor Chris Proudman, head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey said: “I am delighted to have hosted this conference with the British Ethnicity and Diversity Society. Having vets from different ethnicities, gender and sexual orientation will help them deliver better care to the communities they serve as they understand the difficulties that they experience.
“Diversifying the veterinary workforce is key to the future of the profession and we need to take action to make sure this happens.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
